Past Events

“Personal Memories of 50 Years at the University” Featuring John Casteen, Leonard Sandridge and Larry Sabato November 17, 2015 at Alumni Hall

For the inaugural event, Larry Sabato moderated a conversation with former University President John Casteen and former University Executive Vice President Leonard Sandridge for an audience of nearly 100 Thomas Jefferson Society members. Casteen and Sandridge reflected on their experiences at the University, shared their views on challenges in higher education such as funding, admission, and tenure, and gave recommendations for the future success of the University and its leadership.

At the second TJ Coffee Chat, Philip Potter explained the international networks that make up Islamic State. Potter explained how opposing nations, like the United States, ought to take a holistic view of these relationships in order to disrupt the organization.

Members of the TJ Society heard the experts of the Rotunda share the challenges, innovations, and discoveries of the restoration project in a “behind the scenes” discussion. After the seminar, they had the opportunity to explore the Rotunda for themselves!

Darius Nabors (COL’ 07) was living the “Wahoo dream”, working at UVA and living in Charlottesville. That is, until he decided to live out another dream and visit all 59 US National Parks. In 2015, he quit his job and moved into a Dodge 2500 truck as he drove around the country to visit all 59 US National Parks in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. This Coffee Chat will feature the highlights of his tens of thousands of photos and the stories of what he saw.

Physician-Assisted Dying: An Idea Whose Time Has Come? Jim Childress, John Allen Hollingsworth Professor of EthicsThursday, November 30 at Alumni Hall

Over the last few years, several states in the U.S. have adopted laws that permit physician-assisted dying (PAD), sometimes called physician-assisted suicide, and other states are considering such laws. These laws permit physicians, under certain conditions, to prescribe medication so patients can end their lives.

This presentation will consider why PAD has become a positive option for some; the ethical arguments, pros and cons about PAD; the experience in states and other countries that have accepted PAD; and concerns about a “slippery slope” in assisted dying that may put vulnerable populations at risk particularly in the absence of universal health care.